To get to Sth Dakota we had to fly to Dallas/Fort Worth Texas.
Rapid City: Having found that we were out in the middle of Rapid City away from the town, we decided to walk in thinking it was maybe half an hour walk. Luckily for us the manager from the hotel came past and stopped to give us a ride into town as it probably would have taken us two hours to get there. Once there we took a bus tour around the town taking in the bronze life - sized statues of all the past American Presidents all of which are privately funded.
Day 2 we set off to Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, home to the Presidents sculptures in the mountain, through the Black Hills area. After eating our breakfast in the cafe below with views of the sculptures we set off to explore the area and learn how it was all constructed. We then moved on to the Crazy Horse Memorial - a great Sioux leader, that is a work in progress. (sculpture)
Next we arrived at Keystone and took an 1880's steam train down to Hill City where we then took the bus back to Rapid City through Custer State Park keeping an eye out for Buffalos. (only saw deer)
Vegas
We arrived in Vegas via Denver Colorado to mild weather unlike what they had had the week before. 113 F/ 45 C. 4 nights at the Circus Circus Hotel.
We even managed a thunderstorm to start the evening off. We took the bus down to Fremont Street but due to the thunderstorm the laser show had been cancelled . We had a look around and then took the Deuce bus back down the length of the Strip to the Luxor Hotel. As we had the front seat in the bus, we got a fantastic view of everything.
The next day we set about exploring the shopping malls of Caesar's Palace, The Venetian, MGM Grand and as many more as we could fit in. In the evening we went to Le Reve – a show that mixes sycronised swimming with acrobatics done in, above and under the water. It was one of the most amazing shows I have ever seen. Another night we went to a 'Beatles Tribute' show at the Venetian.
We travelled to Boulder City to take a trip by helicopter out to the Grand Canyon and landed just above the Colorado River where we enjoyed a picnic tea with champagne.
Next day we wandered around the Wedding Chapels and the shopping outlets in downtown Las Vegas.
Los Angeles:
After arriving in LA we took a bus up to the centre of Hollywood where there were lots of Aussies around, we just happened to time it right for the premeire of Abducted.
We were part of the crowd across the street from the theatre and were rewarded with a very close encounter with Sigourney Weaver, Jason Isaacs and Taylor Lautner (the star)
On our second day we did the Hop On / Off bus and saw quite a bit of LA – Downtown , the Santa Monica area and the hot spots of Hollywood.
We even attended the Beverly Hills Tea Party (political) that famous singer Pat Boon had organised but left before it ended so we don't know whether Sarah Palin turned up or not. (her organisers were certainly there)
We saw some very interesting sights while we were in the Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive area – dogs being pushed around in pushers complete with a cover and many star look - a - likes.
Well that is the end of our trip which holds a lifetime of memories and even though we got tired and were sick of carrying suitcases we would do it all again.
Love
C & J
Crazy Horse Memorial - The Plan
The work done so far - 40 years worth
Mt. Rushmore Memorial Park
